Lerna: industrial production of rectifiers

Green hydrogen is produced using electrolysers. Electrolysis requires direct current (DC), which is supplied by rectifiers. These convert the alternating current (AC) from the electricity grid and wind turbines into direct current. Thyristor and IGBT rectifiers are already available, but they are not suitable for the future challenge of producing green hydrogen using high-power electrolysers. Prodrive has therefore developed a new concept based on silicon carbide. Compared with current rectifiers, it is more efficient, offers better controllability and is better able to handle disturbances in the electricity grid. The modular system consists of 200 kW building blocks that can be combined in different configurations to match the power requirements of electrolysis installations. Prodrive initiated the Lerna project because the concept is now ready for industrialisation.

Objective

The aim of the project is to industrialise, install, test and operationalise the rectifier modules and racks for green hydrogen production step by step, working towards an annual production capacity of 3 GW by 2030.

Prodrive is carrying out the project in three phases:

• In the first phase, Prodrive will set up a production line for a pilot series. The rectifier modules will be produced, assembled and tested using existing production lines.
• In the second phase, Prodrive will establish an entirely new production line for series production, with a production capacity of up to 0.36 GW per year.
• In the final phase, Prodrive will develop a new workflow for full-scale line production, with multiple workstations and a production capacity of up to 3 GW per year.

Results

Ultimately, Prodrive is working towards an entirely new production line for the rectifier modules and racks. By enabling the production of 3 GW of equipment per year, the project will contribute to the energy transition and help strengthen the Netherlands’ position as a relevant player in hydrogen technology.

The Lerna consortium

The consortium consists of Prodrive.